By Chris Wilson

The Canberra Capitals warmed up for the finals and did their best to knock Adelaide out, beating the Lightning 83-59 at the AIS Arena last night.

The Capitals had wrapped up the minor premiership already but stamped themselves as championship favourites by extending their regular season record to 16-5.

With Dandenong beating Bulleen 92-72 in Melbourne last night, Adelaide must beat the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra tonight to qualify for the play-offs.

Lauren Jackson was sensational for the Capitals last night, just one block short of a rare triple-double. Jackson had 31 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks. Kristen Veal found her shooting range in the final quarter to finish with 12 points, eight assists and five steals, while Lucille Bailie had 14 points.

Despite the big win, Capitals' coach Tom Maher was disappointed by a second-quarter lapse from his team. Leading by 16 points at the first break, the Capitals allowed the Lightning to get as close as four points in the second term.

"We recognised that we can play to a high standard but in the same game we recognised that we're an inch away from playing ordinary," Maher said. "It's amazing the difference between 100 per cent and 99, it's a chasm.

"It just reminds you that as good as you are at any one moment, you're a hiccup away from looking stupid. A lack of focus, a lack of energy and, bingo, you're just ordinary."

The Capitals dominated with defence in the opening period to lead 27-11. When Kelly Hannett (12 points) scored the first basket of the second period to give the Capitals an 18-point advantage, it looked like it would be a walk in the park for the Caps.

But, inspired by veteran Rachel Sporn, the Lightning struck back by dominating the boards. Sporn had 10 rebounds by half-time as Adelaide out-rebounded the Capitals 18-8 in the second term.

The Capitals will stage the major semi-final at Tuggeranong next Saturday, against either Sydney or Townsville. A win would send the Capitals straight through to their fourth successive grand final and give them a chance for back-to-back titles.

AT A GLANCE
CANBERRA CAPITALS 83 (L Jackson 31 L Bailie 14 K Veal 12 K Hannett 12)
ADELAIDE LIGHTNING 59 (D Smith 14 M Bowley 11 R Sporn 10)